What is Glutathione?

“We literally cannot survive without this miraculous antioxidant,”-Glutathione

Glutathione is a ubiquitous tripeptide molecule, consisting of three amino acids joined together. These are cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine – three of the twenty-two amino acids, which comprise the building blocks of all known proteins. However, Glutathione must be generated within the cell from its precursors before it can work effectively in the body.

Other names for Glutathione include: Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine and GSH.

The presence of glutathione is required to maintain the normal function of the immune system. It is known to play a critical role in the multiplication of lymphocytes (the cells that mediate specific immunity), which occurs in the development of an effective immune response.

Role of Glutathione:

Anticancer agent: Glutathione is the strongest anticancer agent produced by the body.
As a Detoxifier: It is involved in the detoxification of foreign compounds such as carcinogens, etc., and supports the normal active functioning of the immune system.
As an antioxidant: Glutathione (GSH) is the body’s master antioxidant. Glutathione is only synthesized inside cells, in a series of steps catalyzed by specific enzymes. It functions both as an antioxidant and an antitoxin and is a major defence
Anticancer agent: Glutathione is the strongest anticancer agent produced by the body.system against illness and aging. Our glutathione level actually indicates our state of health and can predict longevity. Glutathione is a dietary supplement used as an antioxidant to help protect the body from many diseases and conditions. It is also used to treat infertility (difficulty getting pregnant), cancer, cataracts, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Glutathione is used to detoxify various chemicals from the body.
Regulator of Other Antioxidants: Without glutathione, other important antioxidants such as vitamins C and E cannot do their job adequately to protect your body against disease. The effectiveness depends on the availability of GSH.

Protection from Radiation: Glutathione plays a key role in the body’s defense against pollutants and ultraviolet radiations. Removal of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) from the body requires glutathione.
Help prevent diseases: Oxidative related diseases: accelerated aging, cell destruction, causes damage to DNA cellular patterns which leads to cancer, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, Parkinson’s disease, diseases of the immune system, diabetes, cataract formation, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, COPD, allergy/asthma, stroke. Source of glutathione

Unless people eat a lot of live fruits and vegetables, their diets are not going to be high in GSH or its precursors. Some of the best choices are: avocado, watermelon, asparagus, grapefruit, potato, acorn squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli, okra, peach, zucchini, and spinach. Asparagus, avocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary sources of glutathione. Cysteine is found in most high-protein foods including ricotta, cottage cheese, yogurt, pork, sausage meat, chicken,turkey, duck, luncheon meat, wheat germ, granola, and oat flakes.

Where is glutathione found?

The liver excretes glutathione directly into the bloodstream where it is used to help maintain the integrity of red blood cells, as well as protecting white blood cells.

Glutathione is also found in the lungs and intestinal tract where it assists in carbohydrate metabolism as well as breaking down oxidized fats.

Glutathione, the life extension molecule

Low glutathione levels are found in immune compromised individuals, neurodegenerative disease such as multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, male fertility, heart disease, arthrosclerosis cataract, pregnancy complications, damage from many pharmaceutical drugs, cancer and poor survival rates for patients with AIDS.

High level of glutathione level will appear to protect against the danger of cancer, premature aging, heart disease, autoimmune disease and chronic illness.

“The brain’s main antioxidant is glutathione- its importance cannot be overstated.”